The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Buckle Up

I do not appreciate being shoved out of first place. It’s rather rude of the Giants to do such a thing to us. After all, we’ve been leading practically all year. We cannot and will not let it slip out of our hands now.

But man, I’ve got to give credit to the guys for the amazing job they’ve done this season. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a Padres team quite like this and they’ve been so much fun to watch. Though we’ve lost first place for the day, I have the ultimate confidence in my boys. They’re not going to let the Giants take over first place, not after all this time.

We’ve got three more games against the Cards. Starting pitchers: Mat Latos, CHRIS YOUNG!!!!!!, and Jon Garland. Look good? The Cardinals have always had our number, but they’re seven games behind the Reds in the NL Central. As long as our pitching holds things together, I think we can get these next three games.

Mat Latos wasn’t the greatest last time out, but he’s been so amazing all season, I have no doubt that he’ll bounce back and pitch an incredible game tonight.

Then CHRIS YOUNG!!!!!!!!! is pitching on Saturday!!!!!!! I’M SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! It seems like forever since he’s been okay to pitch. I hate how hurt he’s been, it’s so sad!! I’m just so happy that he’ll be able to help us out during the stretch. On Saturday, I don’t think we can expect any more than five solid innings, so the bullpen will have to be seriously on their game. But I mean, wow, it’ll just be amazing to have Chris pitching in a major league game. Welcome back, Chris. You have been missed.

Being in second place stinks, but seriously, we’ll get out of this. After St. Louis, we’re going to LA to face the Dodgers. They’re 11 games behind, and five games away from being eliminated. Plus, they totally failed on beating the Giants. If they can’t beat the Giants, they can’t beat us. We’re really, really going to need that series.

Can you believe that after this Cardinals series, there are only going to be FOUR more series in the regular season? Talk about coming down to the wire. Oh my goodness. The next few weeks are going to be CRAAAAZY.

We’ve got 16 games to get back our first-place lead and hold it. I sure hope you guys are all buckled in, because this is going to be one crazy ride.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.